A LOCAL company has thrown its weight behind the first Lancaster Film & New Media Festival - by becoming its main sponsor.

Specialist training company NTS Developing People, which is based at Forrest Hills near Lancaster University, works with organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to help develop the capabilities of staff at all levels.

It uses music and the arts to bring the best out of young people and says it is proud to back the festival and 'nurture' creative talent of the north west.

The Film and New Media Festival has grown from a pilot held last year and aims to encompass the whole of north Lancashire and South Cumbria. It is open to all new filmmakers and anyone interested in entering a film can contact Peter Neaves on 01524 388861 for further information and an application form.

The festival will be held at the Dukes Theatre in July.